DVR File Extension

What is DVR file?

DVR file format is used by Microsoft Windows Media Center, an applications that can record and playback tTV shows. DVR file holds information regarding the TV show, including runtime and the actual recording.

Video data contained in DVR file uses MPEG-2 codec. DVR file allows users to play the recorded TV show.

DVR and ASF file formats

DVR format is in many ways similar to ASF format. DVR, however, offers several options ASF format is lacking, such as simultaneous read and write, time offset, and live pause function.

Additional information

DVR files are genereated by video recording devices, for example TV tuners.

Files created using Windows Media Center are typically saved in DVR-MS format.

Programs which support DVR file extension

The following listing features DVR-compatible programs. DVR files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

Updated: 01/18/2020

How to open file with DVR extension?

Being unable to open files with DVR extension can be have various origins. What is important, all common issues related to files with DVR extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with DVR files.

Step 1. Get the Windows Media Center

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening DVR files is that no program that can handle DVR files is installed on user’s system. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing Windows Media Center or different compatible program, such as Windows Media Player, PowerDVD, PowerDirector. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. The safest method of downloading Windows Media Center installed is by going to developer’s website (Microsoft Corporation) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Update Windows Media Center to the latest version

You still cannot access DVR files although Windows Media Center is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. The reason that Windows Media Center cannot handle files with DVR may be that the software is outdated. The most recent version of Windows Media Center is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Set the default application to open DVR files to Windows Media Center

After installing Windows Media Center (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open DVR files. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

Change the default application in Windows

• Right-click the DVR file and choose Open with option
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the Windows Media Center installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open DVR files box and clicking OK button.

Change the default application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected DVR file open the file menu and choose Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• Select the appropriate software and save your settings by clicking Change all
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with DVR extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Verify that the DVR is not faulty

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the DVR file in question. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. Check the DVR file for viruses or malware

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the DVR file hinders attempts to open it. Scan the DVR file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the DVR file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

Did you receive the DVR file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. When downloading the file with DVR extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the Microsoft Recorded TV Show file.

4. Check whether your system can handle Windows Media Center

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with DVR extension. In this case close the other applications.

5. Verify that your operating system and drivers are up to date

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with Microsoft Recorded TV Show file. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle DVR files.

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